More byTamra

Every day, about 492 World War II veterans die. Of the 16 million who served during that war, only 855,000 are still alive. The Korean and Vietnam veterans are dying at the rate of around 350 a day. Just this year in my family, we lost an uncle who served in the Army and recently, my brother-in-law, a decorated Vietnam War veteran. My Dad, a 93-year-old veteran of the Battle of Iwo Jima, is thankfully still alive, but only a handful of the men in his unit are still with us.

He was an eyewitness to the famous flag-raising on Mt. Suribachi as the U.S. battled to take control of that tiny Pacific island. Many of our veterans have witnessed history and are walking documentation of the struggles of our country. Every time we lose a veteran, we lose a piece of history.

(Tamra Bolton)

These men and women deserve our gratitude for their willingness to serve this country and help protect our rights and our freedoms. Next time you exercise the freedom of speech, to vote, to move freely about the country, to protect your family, and gather in your house of worship, you should thank a veteran. To me, every day is Veterans Day because we should be thankful for their service and should express it whenever we get the opportunity. Some veterans have never heard the words, “Thank you for your service.” You could be that person for them. So today, as you attend a local parade or Veterans Day celebration or service, remember to thank someone. As we go into the holiday season this year, remember who you have to thank for the many freedoms you enjoy—a veteran. They deserve a “thank you” throughout the year.